Drug interactions
Bendroflumethiazide + Lithium
Severity: Major
Bendroflumethiazide and Lithium: major interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Thiazide diuretics reduce renal lithium clearance and can raise serum lithium substantially, leading to toxicity. Symptoms include tremor, vomiting, confusion and ataxia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bendroflumethiazide and Lithium can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Thiazide-induced sodium depletion increases proximal tubular reabsorption of lithium.
What to do
Avoid if possible. If used, reduce the lithium dose and monitor serum lithium closely after starting, with attention to sodium and renal function.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Lithium
- Lithium + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Lithium + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Lithium Major
- Acemetacin + Lithium Major
- Amisulpride + Lithium Major
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Lithium Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bendroflumethiazide with Lithium?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Bendroflumethiazide and Lithium can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Thiazide diuretics reduce renal lithium clearance and can raise serum lithium substantially, leading to toxicity. Symptoms include tremor, vomiting, confusion and ataxia.
How serious is the interaction between Bendroflumethiazide and Lithium?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid if possible. If used, reduce the lithium dose and monitor serum lithium closely after starting, with attention to sodium and renal function.
What other medicines interact with Lithium?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Lithium with, for example, Thioridazine, Vandetanib, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Lithium page.
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